There was a time when the Gods grew bored in their celestial abode. They asked the Lord if they could visit the earth. That evening, He said they could, but on condition that they returned by dawn. The Gods set up a city at the place they fancied and, lost in their pleasures, they let time pass by. Since they failed to return by dawn, they were turned to stone - in the magnificent monolith called Ellora, the heavenly abode of the Gods on earth.

MTDC organises the Ellora Festival in December, inviting in renowned artistes who display their virtuosity in music and dance. 

Surrounded by 1,400-year old caves and rock carvings, artistes perform in this magnificent ambience to enchant the gods, goddesses and human lovers of art.

The Kailas temple, sculptured out of one huge rock, is one of the most beautiful backdrops for an event such as this.